Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Pianistically wrote:
BlackForest wrote:

]

Prediction 1 has passed...patience is a virtue...:-)

Indeed it is and the more radical the changes and improvements are being made the longer the recursive testing is going to take . That said , being at the origin of the thread , I wonder if what is coming next is a version 9.0 or a version 8.5 with revoicing of all instruments , taking into consideration changes that could have been made in the latest Bosendorfer and Shigaru Kawai . In the thread we only looked at major version release dates as a source of data , but we haven’t  considered minor versions which sometimes are quite substantial . In fact since version 3 , there was a .5 minor version for any version : 3.5 , 4.5 ,5.5 , 6.5 , 7.5 the latest having been a significant upgrades as all acoustic pianos were revoiced .   In all cases no matter the release number , one can be sure this is going to be substantial release given the time it is taking .

To fully satisfy current customers, modernising all the older models would be one option instead of making everyone buy the new models to get the enhanced modelling.

Another option would be to offer exchanges for models that won’t be modernised (so for example if they abandon K2, exchange it for another one).

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

dikrek wrote:
Pianistically wrote:
BlackForest wrote:

]

Prediction 1 has passed...patience is a virtue...:-)

Indeed it is and the more radical the changes and improvements are being made the longer the recursive testing is going to take . That said , being at the origin of the thread , I wonder if what is coming next is a version 9.0 or a version 8.5 with revoicing of all instruments , taking into consideration changes that could have been made in the latest Bosendorfer and Shigaru Kawai . In the thread we only looked at major version release dates as a source of data , but we haven’t  considered minor versions which sometimes are quite substantial . In fact since version 3 , there was a .5 minor version for any version : 3.5 , 4.5 ,5.5 , 6.5 , 7.5 the latest having been a significant upgrades as all acoustic pianos were revoiced .   In all cases no matter the release number , one can be sure this is going to be substantial release given the time it is taking .

To fully satisfy current customers, modernising all the older models would be one option instead of making everyone buy the new models to get the enhanced modelling.

Another option would be to offer exchanges for models that won’t be modernised (so for example if they abandon K2, exchange it for another one).

Whilst my favourite piano (Yamaha CFX) isn’t currently available for Pianoteq, I would prefer to have a significant improvement with the current audio engine.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

dickiefunk wrote:

Whilst my favourite piano (Yamaha CFX) isn’t currently available for Pianoteq, I would prefer to have a significant improvement with the current audio engine.

I agree with both parts of that sentiment fully. A CFX would be my top pick for a new instrument, even over a Faz (though I appreciate that's a minority opinion, a Faz would likely create more buzz and move more copies).

But then, I'm more or less happy with the range of instruments I already got, so a further refinement would be even more valuable.

But must I choose? Give me both! ...or at least either

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

dickiefunk wrote:
dikrek wrote:
Pianistically wrote:

Indeed it is and the more radical the changes and improvements are being made the longer the recursive testing is going to take . That said , being at the origin of the thread , I wonder if what is coming next is a version 9.0 or a version 8.5 with revoicing of all instruments , taking into consideration changes that could have been made in the latest Bosendorfer and Shigaru Kawai . In the thread we only looked at major version release dates as a source of data , but we haven’t  considered minor versions which sometimes are quite substantial . In fact since version 3 , there was a .5 minor version for any version : 3.5 , 4.5 ,5.5 , 6.5 , 7.5 the latest having been a significant upgrades as all acoustic pianos were revoiced .   In all cases no matter the release number , one can be sure this is going to be substantial release given the time it is taking .

To fully satisfy current customers, modernising all the older models would be one option instead of making everyone buy the new models to get the enhanced modelling.

Another option would be to offer exchanges for models that won’t be modernised (so for example if they abandon K2, exchange it for another one).

Whilst my favourite piano (Yamaha CFX) isn’t currently available for Pianoteq, I would prefer to have a significant improvement with the current audio engine.


My favorite piano is the CFX too, I also love the C7. I am really looking forward to Pianoteq 9

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

1. Improve the model
2. Add more character pianos, and uprights. In my opinion, we don't need another flagship 9 foot grand. We already have 12 or whatever it is.

It's, highly likely that 2 requires 1. So in the end 1 is always more important.

Other than that, Im satisfied with what we currently have. Its hard to think of a feature I really really want/need.

Modartt needs to start experimenting with AI if they haven't already. I think AI can do great things if it had full access to the pianoteq model. It can provide features and also help improve it.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

snurrfint wrote:

1. Improve the model
2. Add more character pianos, and uprights. In my opinion, we don't need another flagship 9 foot grand. We already have 12 or whatever it is.

It's, highly likely that 2 requires 1. So in the end 1 is always more important.

Other than that, Im satisfied with what we currently have. Its hard to think of a feature I really really want/need.

Modartt needs to start experimenting with AI if they haven't already. I think AI can do great things if it had full access to the pianoteq model. It can provide features and also help improve it.

What would be great with AI would the the possibility to upload an audio file of a recorded piano performance, select an instrument and let AI to adjust parameters to obtain the closest rendition possible from a spectrum, tone , dynamic range . It doesn’t need to be a real time feature , could be done offline . The issue here is which CPU resources do we use in such scenario . Local resources on end user computer maybe insufficient to be performant enough ; I don’t see Modartt implementing a farm of servers to implement it as it is not their core business so somehow a 3rd actor has to be part of the game and work with Modartt to deliver such functionality .  I was just thinking as I was writing the post , so it may certainly some more thinking .

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

what i would like:

(1) improve all existing pianos

(2) more pianos

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

More body, more wood  .....

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Like somebody else already asked in this forum in a different thread, I would like a .vst3 version for Linux which would allow me to load the instrument in Musescore.

"And live to be the show and gaze o' the time."  (William Shakespeare)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Chordo24 wrote:

More body, more wood  .....

this!

a little more weight, specially in the lower register. and a bit less boxiness in the mids

Last edited by mqbernardo (04-10-2025 21:04)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

mqbernardo wrote:
Chordo24 wrote:

More body, more wood  .....

this!

a little more weight, specially in the lower register. and a bit less boxiness in the mids

Yes I agree with this. The mid range on all the pianos sound boxy/honky to varying degrees. Also, the lower range sounds a little light and thin compared to the Steinway and Yamaha grands I’ve played.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Julien from the Modartt team has answered a question in the ´VST3 for Linux’ thread and has replied that a VST3 plugin version  is coming very soon’ which would suggest that a release  ( be 8.5 or 9.0) is coming soon

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Pianistically wrote:

Julien from the Modartt team has answered a question in the ´VST3 for Linux’ thread and has replied that a VST3 plugin version  is coming very soon’ which would suggest that a release  ( be 8.5 or 9.0) is coming soon

Promising news! Thank you for sharing,

Warmest regards,

Chris

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

sortie avant le black friday ? c'est le 28 novembre

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Not to speculate too much , the iOS app just updated and now has an 8 in the icon. 

I don't have criticisms for Pianoteq, I genuinely love the product, just excited for any updates they make in version 9!  I am hoping for a CFX model though!

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1BU4HzVE5x/

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Ooh hype. If this ends up being legit that would be a fun way to break the news

Let's stir the pot a bit more, today the order of instruments has changed on the store page (the kawai got moved behind the steinways. Is it freeing the top billing for a new headliner?????

(All in good fun!)

Last edited by daniel_r328 (11-10-2025 10:37)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

daniel_r328 wrote:

Ooh hype. If this ends up being legit that would be a fun way to break the news

Let's stir the pot a bit more, today the order of instruments has changed on the store page (the kawai got moved behind the steinways. Is it freeing the top billing for a new headliner?????

(All in good fun!)

How exciting. I enjoy the Kawai and Bossie. But I would like a Steinway D update with P9.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Is the program shown in the video really Pianoteq 9? I can't understand the content of the video because I don't know Chinese.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

sskuk1 wrote:

Is the program shown in the video really Pianoteq 9? I can't understand the content of the video because I don't know Chinese.

On the one hand , I am sceptical given  the video is hosted on 'bilibili' which is similar to hostgator or godaddy and the user has only 163 subscribers and one may ask how comes an unknown chap in China would have access to a version of PTQ 9 ?

On the other end, there is a remote possibility that because of a leak , this user had access to it.  In all cases, there are some interesting ideas which have been developed in older threads in the forum.
Unique Hammer Harness slider to probably control all individual hardnesses ( piano, mf, f)  is an interesting idea which allows you to adjust by % a preset or instrument all harnesses sliders with one unique slider and has been discussed in an old thread which got the attention of P.Guillaume himself.
Graphical interfaces in the design screen have been introduced. It may be quite useful to have a visual interface for the soundboard adjustments as it is difficult to evaluate mentally the impact of a given % variation of Q factor and Impedance given the complexity of the formulas that model it.
I have noticed also that the hammer strike point has been moved from Voicing to Design  which is not erroneous as the initial  strike point is part of design and corresponds  to the physical position of the hammer to and strings whereby can fine tune its position  by fine-tuning is related to voicing . Also, the mixer introduced in the mic section is also more modern and aligned with best DAWs.

So not sure if this is mockup or a leak , but if it is a mockup , this was not done by an ignorant;

Last edited by Pianistically (12-10-2025 15:41)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Hmm a quick look at the pianoteq credits shows a lot of international contributors so it's possible that the video is a showcase from someone who's worked on v9 in some capacity.

I mean, the group of people chomping at the bit for a new pianoteq version is a pretty small niche, so that would be a curious thing to fake... to the point that they'd deserve to have me fooled just for the effort

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

daniel_r328 wrote:

Hmm a quick look at the pianoteq credits shows a lot of international contributors so it's possible that the video is a showcase from someone who's worked on v9 in some capacity.

I mean, the group of people chomping at the bit for a new pianoteq version is a pretty small niche, so that would be a curious thing to fake... to the point that they'd deserve to have me fooled just for the effort

Just noticed this change too

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

daniel_r328 wrote:

Hmm a quick look at the pianoteq credits shows a lot of international contributors so it's possible that the video is a showcase from someone who's worked on v9 in some capacity.

I mean, the group of people chomping at the bit for a new pianoteq version is a pretty small niche, so that would be a curious thing to fake... to the point that they'd deserve to have me fooled just for the effort

Well that's possible. But there are some details that seem strange , like the led on the mallet bounce and equaliser buttons; the led on the equaliser is green but there is no EQ activated  in the preset being played . Also I don't understand why there would be a led for the mallet button given there is no led for the others buttons. Another strange thing is that the pop up help windows are identical for all hammer harness sliders like in version 8, but the same pop up window appears for the 'global' slider above when the move is over it. The devil is in the details . Maybe I am  being victim of the Saint Thomas syndrome given  I tend to be sceptical by nature and it could be  a pre-production version still not finalised. Time will tell, hopefully soon

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Pianistically wrote:

But there are some details that seem strange [...]; the led on the equaliser is green but there is no EQ activated  in the preset being played.

That's easily explained by the fact that Pianoteq has 2 separate EQs: the 'EQUALIZER' and the EQ3 in the 'EFFECTS' section. They're switched on and off separately.

Last edited by Pianophile (13-10-2025 13:08)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Pianophile wrote:
Pianistically wrote:

But there are some details that seem strange [...]; the led on the equaliser is green but there is no EQ activated  in the preset being played.

That's easily explained by the fact that Pianoteq has 2 separate EQs: the 'EQUALIZER' and the EQ3 in the 'EFFECTS' section. They're switched on and off separately.

good point

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Pianophile wrote:
Pianistically wrote:

But there are some details that seem strange [...]; the led on the equaliser is green but there is no EQ activated  in the preset being played.

That's easily explained by the fact that Pianoteq has 2 separate EQs: the 'EQUALIZER' and the EQ3 in the 'EFFECTS' section. They're switched on and off separately.

good point . In fact an external led is indeed a good idea as you can switch off the main EQ by just clicking on the led , as opposed to enter the menu and disable it by clicking on the LED in the EQ menu . Same for Mallet Bounce let , it most certainly corresponds to the sync switch in the main menu. So given all the details are really relevant and unknown by the average YouTuber or ´bilibiliber’ this preview being a leak is more and more plausible .

Last edited by Pianistically (13-10-2025 13:42)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Additional information at: https://thinkedu.com/products/pianoteq-...-on-bundle

" With Pianoteq 9, the instrument benefits from the new audio engine, providing richer, evolving resonance, enhanced spatial depth, and an organic, lifelike sound. Refreshed Binaural presets deliver an immersive headphone experience, while expressive “Sombre” presets provide silken tones ideal for cinematic or emotive playing."

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

I am very excited about Pianoteq 9, I hope Modartt releases official information soon.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

stephenll wrote:

Additional information at: https://thinkedu.com/products/pianoteq-...-on-bundle

" With Pianoteq 9..."

Also the screenshots of the UI in the advert shows the "9".
Will be an awesome autumn...

Steinway Model Ds, Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, Boesendorfer VC280

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

BlackForest wrote:
stephenll wrote:

Additional information at: https://thinkedu.com/products/pianoteq-...-on-bundle

" With Pianoteq 9..."

Also the screenshots of the UI in the advert shows the "9".
Will be an awesome autumn...

I wonder what happens if you purchase it ?
Is ThinkEDU a legitimate reseller ? If that’s the case how on earth could sell revoiced instrument packs prior to official announcement. Seems a little bit like dodgy practice to me , even if the screenshots correspond likely to the final version .

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Hmm, this is probably legit, at least to some degree, as I aslo don't believe someone would spend time faking a product release as niche as this is. Could be an early internal version of v9 but still.

As for the description, seems like they are releasing a new version of the sound engine or model. I think all major version comes with an upgrade. They can't really do too significant changes to the sound in minor releases since it will alter the sound too much and ppl might complain its for the worse, and not what they paid for etc. Hoping for more clearity and a little more oomph effect for the attack and release, and maybe some more woody textures in the sound.

Too bad there are no other upright models in the pipe. Or at least not in this leak. Maybe the U4 has undergone some updates.

Sombre presets are probably there to demonstate/enhance some new capability in the model that wasn't there before.

Can you preview the changes before you buy? I think if the progress is not significant enough I might wait until next release, even though I probably get it anyway just to support further development, and because I can't contain myself. Who Im I trying to fool here really?

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

From the Bluthner model 1 pack:

"The round, warm tonal character of the Blüthner Model 1 is faithfully rendered by Pianoteq's physical model, now enhanced with Pianoteq 9’s new audio engine. The improved soundboard vibration creates a rich, evolving swirl for each note, enhancing stereo and spatial perception, and giving the piano more body, depth, and soul. The instrument can express everything from tender pianissimos to thunderous fortissimos, seamlessly matching orchestral power or intimate solo moments. All grand pianos in Pianoteq 9, including the Blüthner Model 1, have been meticulously revoiced to deliver a world-class concert experience."

New soundboard vibration engine?
All pianos revoiced!! Thats nice.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

From the Harp pack: 

New Italian Triple Harp – Baroque-inspired, ideal for basso continuo

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

What doesn’t do Pianoteq any favors in demo videos is that the default presets use Pianoteq’s built-in limiter to bring the level up to around –14 LUFS — just like video players such as YouTube, which also compress piano sound to –14 LUFS. Pianoteq’s limiter, which boosts the output, should be disabled to get a more natural tone and attack.

So I’ll judge Pianoteq 9 under my fingers, without its internal limiter or reverb, and not based on videos compressed to –14 LUFS.

I also hope the limiter and reverb will be improved in version 9.
Wait and see.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Sweetwater also offers it now...I am able to put it in the cart...wonder what I then would be able to download..9, or 8?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail...t-software

Steinway Model Ds, Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, Boesendorfer VC280

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

il faudrait savoir s'ils donnent une date de disponibilité et laquelle.
la tension monte   

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Olivier W wrote:

..Pianoteq’s limiter, which boosts the output, should be disabled to get a more natural tone and attack....

I'm turning off the limiter too. He brings a little bit of turbidity. It's better without it.

Last edited by scherbakov.al (15-10-2025 11:05)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

scherbakov.al wrote:
Olivier W wrote:

..Pianoteq’s limiter, which boosts the output, should be disabled to get a more natural tone and attack....

I'm turning off the limiter too. He brings a little bit of turbidity. It's better without it.

Whats peak limiter and how do I turn it off? Im on iPad.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

BlackForest wrote:

Sweetwater also offers it now...I am able to put it in the cart...wonder what I then would be able to download..9, or 8?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail...t-software

According to what the site says it’s available for download .
Now going through the text it says that the new model includes changes made to the soundboard modelling and revoicing of all instruments . I thought (even though I am not sure if there  was an official statement ) that both the Bosendorfer and the Shigaru Kawai were using a different model for the soundboard which is great as the coupling  soundboard/strings is at the same time very complex and plays a pivotal role in the sound. It’s all speculative assumptions of course and in absence of official announcement I am wondering if  fxp made with these 2 pianos will sound the same when launched with version 9  or will they benefit from other improvements in the new version . In all cases, refresh of all instruments is just fantastic news  as these two pianos are already in a different league in the 8.4 version . Of course , just a personal opinion .

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Number 9 like an ode to joy (sorry) ?

Last edited by Borealis (15-10-2025 13:07)

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

snurrfint wrote:
scherbakov.al wrote:
Olivier W wrote:

..Pianoteq’s limiter, which boosts the output, should be disabled to get a more natural tone and attack....

I'm turning off the limiter too. He brings a little bit of turbidity. It's better without it.

Whats peak limiter and how do I turn it off? Im on iPad.

Above the volume fader, click on L.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

One of the distributors on their own website show both version 8 and 9:

https://www.minet.jp/brand/modartt/top/

and

https://www.minet.jp/brand/modartt/pianoteq-9/

"Modartt Pianoteq 9 features a new audio engine that improves on the soundboard's vibration model to further enhance stereo and spatial depth.

The sound of the electric piano and harp has also been improved, and the Harp Pack (sold separately) has a new "Italian Triple Harp".

It features a variety of new features, including the "Sombre" piano preset for expressive cinematic performances, a new microphone panel that allows you to intuitively position and mix up to eight microphones, hammertone parameters, and the "Thunder" pedal that creates a roaring fortissimo.


"Pianoteq 9" was reborn after three years of research
To an even more expressive and versatile physical modeling sound source suite

Enhanced soundboard model
PIANOTEQ 9 features a new audio engine based on an improved soundboard vibration model. This further enhances the stereo feeling and spatial expansiveness.

Each note creates a rich, lively swell, and the sound spreads out organically and shimmeringly, like ripples across the surface of a lake.

All grand pianos in the collection have benefited from this update and have been carefully revoiced. Experience the authentic touch and sound of playing on one of the world's best concert grounds.

New triple harp and improved electric piano
A new Italian Triple Harp has been added to the Harp Pack (sold separately). Its timbre, which originates from the Baroque period, has a tasteful and delicate sound, and is also ideal for accompaniment in the bass.

In addition, the MKII and Reeds models of the Electric Pianos Pack (sold separately) have been updated to improve dynamics in the Fortissimo band. It achieves a sound that is more expressive in detail and has a slightly rough "grit".


Expanded sound palette
All grand pianos now have an expressive "Sombre" preset. It has a silky-smooth tone and a high dynamic range, making it ideal for emotional and cinematic performances.

In addition, Felt presets, which feature a soft and intimate sound, are now available for historical pianos. Many instruments have been redesigned with binaural presets, allowing you to enjoy an immersive experience with headphones.

New interface features
Taking full advantage of the flexibility of physical modeling, the microphone panel has been redesigned. Up to 8 microphones can now be placed at any position in 3D space.

The mixing panel has also been revamped to provide intuitive control of stereo and multi-channel outputs.


Lively Expressive and Customizable
PIANOTEQ 9 continues to pursue more natural and pure instrument expression in cooperation with various piano manufacturers.

By calculating all the behavior inside the piano in real time, it responds to even the most delicate nuances of the performer. It reproduces the colorful and eloquent tones woven by each resonance.

Plus, you have precise control over every element of sound creation, allowing you to shape your ideal sound just the way you want.

Its perfection makes PIANOTEQ 9 the perfect choice for any environment, from home use to recording studios and concert stages.

Operating environment (support required)
System Requirements
Windows
OS: Windows 7 or later (64-bit)
CPU: Intel Core or AMD multi-core processor (2 GHz or higher recommended)
RAM: 4 GB or more
Disk space: Approximately 50 MB (when installed)
Audio: ASIO-compatible audio interface recommended
macOS
OS: macOS 10.11 or later (64-bit)
CPU: Intel Core or Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3)
RAM: 4 GB or more
Disk Space: Approximately 50 MB
Linux
OS: Latest major distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, etc.)
CPU: x86 64-bit processor
RAM: 4 GB or more
Disk Space: Approximately 50 MB
Plug-in support
Can be used as a stand-alone application
VST2 / VST3 / AU / AAX / NKS compatible
Download and Demo
A free trial version of Pianoteq 9 is now available.
Registered users can upgrade for €29 / $29.
For more information and a preview demo, please visit the official website (www.modartt.com)."

Steinway Model Ds, Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, Boesendorfer VC280

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

New video about version 9

https://youtu.be/bE_gEW1rmNc?si=S2PdwOjljG0uHWBE

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Ro Bamonde music wrote:

New video about version 9

https://youtu.be/bE_gEW1rmNc?si=S2PdwOjljG0uHWBE

And here as well on this website!!

https://www.modartt.com/pianoteq_overvi...RlcSZleHQ9

Steinway Model Ds, Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, Boesendorfer VC280

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

Upgraded! But download is broken

"Unknown service download"

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

grimborg wrote:

Upgraded! But download is broken

"Unknown service download"

Sorry grimborg for the frustration, this is a temporary bug that will be fixed in the coming hour.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

No worries! Thank you!

Philippe Guillaume wrote:
grimborg wrote:

Upgraded! But download is broken

"Unknown service download"

Sorry grimborg for the frustration, this is a temporary bug that will be fixed in the coming hour.

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

When will this new version be available for iPad?

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

MrRoland wrote:

When will this new version be available for iPad?

Unfortunately the iOS version is still in review, hopefully it will be available soon (in a few days, maybe).

Re: Pianoteq 9 When and What

The download link (MAC arm/universal PTQ9) seems to be broken. (15H35-Paris)